Introduction to the course

This introductory OPAT course has been developed by the Co-chairs of the UK British Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC) OPAT initiative:

Dr Andrew Seaton (an infectious diseases physician based in Glasgow) and Mr Mark Gilchrist (a consultant antimicrobial pharmacist based in London).

The BSAC OPAT initiative began in 2009 and exists to support the provision of OPAT services wherever the clinical need exists. It is a truly multidisciplinary initiative that engages with all healthcare professionals involved in OPAT service design and delivery.

You will find many references to the BSAC OPAT work within this course. We would recommend you explore further at e-OPAT for the latest news, publications and learning events.

Over the next 2 weeks we will look at the role and the limitations of OPAT and what OPAT can bring to your service. We will also look at the importance of patient selection, antimicrobial choice and device selection in the OPAT setting. Importantly we will discuss how OPAT relates to the wider antimicrobial stewardship agenda and healthcare governance within your own organisation.

There are many interactive assignments throughout the two weeks. We hope you enjoy the course and hope it supports service development and quality improvement within your OPAT service.

The BSAC OPAT initiative is a multi-stakeholder project promoting high quality, patient-centered care integrated within the broader antimicrobial strategy. The OPAT initiative is dedicated to delivering high quality patient care closer to home.

Membership to the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC) is free and a great way to keep up-to-date with antimicrobial resistance and stewardship practices.

This course has been approved by The Royal College of Pathologists at a level of 12 credits. The RCPath CPD approval process is in line with the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges standards and criteria for CPD activities framework guidance. Reciprocity has been agreed between colleges/faculties for all approved activities.

Please note all who submit their details to the RCP to claim CPD, agree that FutureLearn may need to share their data, including their progress on the course, with RCP for the purposes of auditing / offering CPD.

Let us know in the comments below where you are from and what has inspired you to take the course. We encourage to participate in discussions with your fellow learners throughout the 2 weeks!